1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imaginative
It’s all served well by the imaginative music of (mostly) Michael Koerner, delivered onstage by the duo of accordionist Victor Zupanc and guitarist Joe Cruz.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
Critics seemed to agree with the audience, with reviews praising the direction of Josef Kubota Wladyka, the lead performance of Oscar nominee Rinko Kikuchi and the imaginative dance sequences.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
In a review of the film from February 2018, former Times film critic Kenneth Turan called it a royally imaginative standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
But the couple had also added some imaginative touches to the wedding day, including a woodland theme that saw part of the aisle lined with trees.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
Critics seemed to agree with the audience, with reviews praising the direction of Josef Kubota Wladyka, the lead performance of Oscar nominee Rinko Kikuchi and the imaginative dance sequences.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
In a review of the film from February 2018, former Times film critic Kenneth Turan called it a royally imaginative standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
But the couple had also added some imaginative touches to the wedding day, including a woodland theme that saw part of the aisle lined with trees.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
Adjective
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On Main Street, Majestic Repertory Theatre offers a distinctly different experience, combining a professional theater presence with bold, high-energy plays, musicals, and original works known for inventive set design, immersive elements, and a playful, sometimes provocative, approach.—
Mackenzie Jervis,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
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This sleek, inventive shoulder bag is well under $100 but looks way pricier.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Both brands have deep heritage and craftsmanship behind them, but are equally forward-looking and innovative.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
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At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work.—
Ioannis Ioannou,
Fortune,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The bear that rips the plastic bass to shreds is AI-generated, said Nathan Monteith, the executive creative director at Highdive.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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Be creative, entrepreneurial and open to new experiences and professional networks while continuing to clarify your interests, purpose, and goals.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Russia has been overtly aggressive while China is more clever and subtle, using tactics such as intellectual property theft and economic penetration of less developed countries.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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From storage helpers to laundry and cleaning aids, try one of these clever uses for old pillowcases.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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One of those picks the Cowboys acquired was used to get Quinnen Williams, another talented defensive tackle, in a trade with the Jets.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
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That lineup might be the most talented in USC history.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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